Plants

There are over 750 species grown all over the world. Like many herbs, it is also considered a flower. This herb grows as a shrub. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 4 through 11  CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Let dry out between waterings. FERTILIZER: Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season. MEDICINAL BENEFITS/APPLICATIONS: Due to its high antioxidant capacity, sage can help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals, which often results in cell death, impaired immunity, and chronic disease. SOIL: Any potting mix will do.

Native to southern Europe, this herb is a member of the mint plant family. They are best known as a culinary herb. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 4 through 8 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Savory require regular even watering until established. FERTILIZER: Fertilizer is not a must, refer to growers instructions. MEDICINAL BENEFITS/APPLICATIONS: Although Savory is largely a culinary herb, it contains oils and tannins that have mild astringent and antiseptic properties that can be useful in medicines. SOIL: Any potting mix will do.

Sesame is typically grown on a large scale for its seeds, but it still makes regular appearances in home ornamental gardens, where its fragrant white or pink blossoms attract butterflies and birds. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 9 through 11 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water just before the soil dries out. FERTILIZER: Fertilizer is not a must, refer to growers instructions. MEDICINAL BENEFITS/APPLICATIONS: Diabetes, high blood preasure and gingivitis are just a few of the medicinal benefits of this herb. SOIL: Plant in loamy or sandy soil that drains well and contains plenty of organic matter. If you don't have fast-draining or fertile soil, amend with sand or peat moss and compost to improve conditions.

A member of the onion family, Shallots are considered the best for gourmet cooking. Unlike other onions, Shallots have cloves like garlic. Shallots have a mild onion and garlic flavor. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 6 through 9  CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water plants when the soil begins to dry out. FERTILIZER: Add a general purpose fertilizer about a month after planting. MEDICINAL BENEFITS/APPLICATIONS: Overall, shallots have better nutrition profile than onions. On weight per weight basis, they have more anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins than onions. SOIL: Use general, well drained soil. DISEASE: Shallots are resistant to most insect problems. Root maggots can attack the bulbs. Tiny thrips are an occasional problem. Insecticidal soap sprays or sevin are very effective.

Grown for its sweet leaves, Stevia is calorie free and carb-free. It doesn't impact blood sugar. The leaves of this herb can be as much as 300 times sweeter than sucrose(sugar). LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 11 and up CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Keep soil moist, not wet. FERTILIZER: Do not use a lot of nitrogen fertilizer. Your plants will do well, if you add compost or mulch on top of the soil. This will feed your plants slowly. MEDICINAL BENEFITS/APPLICATIONS: Stevia is believed to have anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-glycemic, and anti-hypertensive properties which may help with hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, chronic fatigue, indigestion, upset stomach, heartburn, weight loss, cold and flu, gingivitis, tooth decay, cavities, dandruff and hair loss, brittle bones or osteoporosis, streptococcus, candidiasis, bacterial infections and skin conditions such as cuts, wounds, rashes, itchiness, blemishes, acne, seborrhoeic dermatitis, dermatitis, eczema, and wrinkles. It may also improve energy levels, strengthen immune system, stimulate mental activity, and may also help in withdrawl from tobacco and alcohol addiction. SOIL: Plants grow best in light sandy or loamy soils that are well drained.

Thyme is an evergreen herb with culinary, medicinal and ornamental uses. The most common variety is Thymus vulgaris. Thyme is of the genus Thymus of the mint family, and a relative of the Oregano genus Origanum. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 5 through 9 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water regularly, you can let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. FERTILIZER: Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season. MEDICINAL BENEFITS/APPLICATIONS: The flowers, leaves and oil of thyme are commonly used by people for the treatment of bedwetting, diarrhea, stomach ache, arthritis, colic, sore throat, cough (including whooping cough), bronchitis, flatulence and as a diuretic (to increase urination). SOIL: Thyme thrives in a variety of soils, even poor ones.

Wheatgrass is a food prepared from the cotyledons of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It is sold either as a juice or powder concentrate. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 3 through 9 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Keep the soil moist, not wet. FERTILIZER: Apply a high nitrogen, liquid fertilizer, only if needed. MEDICINAL BENEFITS/APPLICATIONS: Wheatgrass is believed to have numerous medicinal applications, including: clean the liver, detoxification remedy, improve digestion, boost hemoglobin production.purify blood. SOIL: Use a rich potting mix.